Continuing its efforts to enrich WBM's educational environment, the Foundation has created a project called "Support a Star Educator". This initiative provides teachers with supplies and tools needed for their classes and will save money that the school would need to spend from the general fund.

Teachers were asked to submit wish lists containing items that would strengthen their students' learning levels or improve classroom surroundings. These requests can cover a wide range of items, large or small, or even requests for money to buy materials. The wish lists will be attached to yellow star ornaments and hung on Christmas trees throughout the communities of West Bend and Mallard. In West Bend, trees will be located at Farmers State Bank, West Iowa Bank, and the school lobby. In Mallard, a tree can be found at the Laurens State Bank. The evening of the elementary Christmas concert, Dec. 6, a tree will be located at the school as well.

The trees are in place, as of Monday, Nov. 26. Community members, businesses, or organizations may take as many stars as they like off the tree(s) and purchase the items to give to the school. Items do not have to be gift wrapped. The amount spent or donated is tax deductible. All items, including cash donations, must be submitted to either school office by Wednesday, Dec. 19. Stars that have been left on the trees will be collected by the Foundation, and if the Foundation has sufficient funds, it will fulfill these requests. "Santa" will present the donations to the school and staff before the Christmas break.

Although the wish list program is an exclusive opportunity to support the school, the WBM Achievement Foundation encourages charitable giving year-round. Here are some suggestions:

Make a cash/check donation

Establish a memorial - a gift in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one

Donate gifts of property or stock

Name the WBM Achievement Foundation as a beneficiary in a will, trust, insurance policy or annuity

Make a grain donation through your local grain elevator

Setup an automatic monthly, bi-annual or annual withdrawal from a bank account